SNP to miss exports target

The Scottish National Party government is set to miss a target to increase international exports by four years, the Scottish Labour Party claims.

They said the government will probably miss a target set in 2011 to deliver a 50per cent increase in international exports by 2017. Export figures published two weeks ago found that, after five years, the value of those exports has risen by 21per cent, Scottish Labour said.
According to Labour analysis, if international exports continue to rise by the average year-on-year increase since 2010 – 3.97per cent per year – the target will not be met until 2021. Exports would need to increase by 23.5per cent over two years, to meet the target in time. The Labour spokesman said:
“A Tory hard Brexit will make it harder for businesses that export to Europe, but the SNP’s plans for another independence referendum will make it even more difficult for our businesses to grow. What they need is certainty.

“That is why Labour is calling on the SNP to drop its plans for a divisive second referendum, and will vote against any plans for one.”